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Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Morrison & Foerster LLP has been around since the 1880s, but don’t think of it as stodgy and set in its ways. With more than 1,000 attorneys worldwide, it’s clear that it’s a desirable professional destination. New associates typically come from top law schools and have good grades, but the firm is also looking for people who communicate well and are intellectually curious. New hires should be easy-going and able to fit into Morrison Foerster’s laid-back style. The office atmosphere is positive and welcoming while staying professional. Partners are approachable and treat associates like colleagues, and seem to be interested in feedback from and the development of junior attorneys. Formal training is sufficient, touching on practical knowledge, skill development, and career planning, though associates also find great value in on-the-job experiences and connecting with mentors who are willing to help. Associates are expected to assume project responsibility and are rarely assigned busy work or work too basic for their experience level. There’s no set work assignment system, so associates must proactively seek work; they get assignments based on familiarity, availability, and capability. Some have a difficult time reaching the billable hour target of 1,950 hours because they feel tasks aren’t distributed evenly; however, Morrison Foerster counts an unlimited number of pro bono hours and up to 50 hours of diversity-related activities a year toward this goal. Pro bono work and diversity efforts are Morrison Foerster strengths, and associates recognize this. The firm matches market compensation, and career prospects are solid for making partner, being elevated to an of counsel role, or securing external positions. Tech and wellness efforts are areas where associates feel Morrison Foerster can make improvements.

THE FIRM'S PERSPECTIVE

Morrison Foerster transforms complexity into advantage. With our collective intelligence, we shape powerful legal strategies that move your business forward while living our shared values.

We solve your most critical multidimensional challenges in a way that provides clarity around the risk you are facing and gives you confidence in your chosen path. We pair diversity of perspective with a strategic consultative approach to craft the tailored strategies you need. We foster trusted partnerships that are defined by winning for you when it matters most.

Our clients include some of the largest financial institutions, Fortune 100 companies, and leading technology and life sciences companies. Whether established for decades or just an entrepreneur’s idea, we represent organizations as they grow, innovate, disrupt, and develop into leading industry players and household names.

 

Morrison & Foerster LLP

425 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: (415) 268-7000

Firm Stats

Managing Partner: Eric T. McCrath
Hiring Partner: Jeff Jaeckel
Hiring Partner: Jennifer L. Marines
Total No. Attorneys (2023):
1K - 1.5K
No. of Partners Named 2023:
18

Base Salary

Base Salary (2023) (U.S. Associates, U.S. Practice) 1st year: $215,000 2nd year: $225,000 3rd year: $250,000 4th year: $295,000 5th year: $345,000 6th year: $370,000 7th year: $400,000 8th year: $415,000 9th year: $415,000 Summer Associate: $8,958.33 (semi-monthly)

Employment Contact

Nicole Wanzer
Director of Attorney Recruiting
(415) 268-7320
fwattorneyrecuiting@mofo.com

No. of U.S. Offices: 10

No. of International Offices: 8

Major Office Locations

Austin, TX
Boston, MA
Denver, CO
Los Angeles, CA
Miami, FL
New York, NY
Palo Alto, CA
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
Washington, DC
Beijing
Berlin
Brussels
Hong Kong
London
Shanghai
Singapore
Tokyo

Major Departments

Antitrust Law
Appellate + Supreme Court
Business Restructuring + Insolvency
Class Actions + Mass Torts
Commercial Litigation + Trial
Emerging Companies + Venture Capital
Employment + Labor
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
FCPA + Global Anti-Corruption
Financial Services & FinTech
General Corporate
Intellectual Property & Patent
Life Sciences + Healthcare
Mergers + Acquisitions & Private Equity
National Security, CFIUS, FARA, Sanctions + Export Controls
Privacy + Data Security
Project Finance
Securities Litigation, Securities Enforcement, Investigations + White Collar Defense
Social Enterprise + Impact Investing
Technology Transactions
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See firm website for complete list of practice areas and industries.